So what airlines allow you to buy a seat for your dog? and can you buy a seat for your dog on a flight?
Taking your little creature on a plane is not easy and needs prior arrangement. it should be filled with excitement, some fear, and nervousness, but it’s all completely normal for pet owners.
And most dog owners are still asking “ can I buy a seat for my dog and what airlines allow you to buy a seat for your dog?” though traveling with your dog is not as scary as it sounds or what you may hear. However, it does require additional planning.
Most airlines are pet friendly and they allow dogs in the cabin, but unfortunately, most of the airlines do not allow dogs to have a seat and they can only seat in front of you, when traveling with a large dog you will have to transport your dog in checked baggage as cargo with applicable fees; Only service dog owners can buy a seat for their dogs.
Sometimes you may notice a passenger places his lovely dog on a seat, but that’s just an exception, the seat is either not reserved and the traveler decided to make the dog seated, or it is a service dog.
In this article we will answer all your questions about traveling with dogs and list all the airlines that allow you to buy a seat for your dog in addition to general airlines policies for taking small and large dogs in the cabin.
Can I Buy a Seat For My Dog On An Airplane?
Most airlines do not allow you to buy a seat for pets, However there are some websites that claim that jetBlue and united airlines allow you to buy a seat for your dog, so i checked twitter to see what the airlines have to say about the subject.
Jason asked United if he can buy a seat for his dog on the airplane and have him fly in the cabin.
But United replied “We apologize for the inconvenience but that is not allowed. “
United Airlines stated that you can bring aboard your dog in-cabin in addition to your carry-on bag allowance. but it must be under the seat in front of you and there’s a $125 service charge each way and an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.
On the other hand Jetblue stated in its website that your pet fee is $125 each way, and must be placed under the seat in front of you during your flight,you can also hold your carrier on your lap during your flight which is not recommended.
Rocky asked JetBlue if she can buy a “human” plane ticket for her 45 lb dog to have an actual seat on a flight and JetBlue replied that she can’t buy a seat for her dog.
Can I Buy a Seat For My Dog On Southwest Airlines?
You can bring your dog on Southwest airlines in a FAA approved pet carrier that fits perfectly under the seat in front of you and only travelers with a trained service animal larger than a child under the age of two can purchase a nonrefundable additional seat and place the pet carrier under the seat in front of the additional seat.
Can I Buy My Large Dog a Plane Ticket?
Most airlines do not allow large dogs on board, you can buy a plane ticket for your large dog but you will have to send them in the cargo, unless your dog is for trained services.
Most airlines charge a fee of $125 each way for dogs in the cabin, and traveling with a dog in either checked baggage or as cargo it can be a little costly, it might range between $200 and $500 depending on the airline; make sure that you contact your airline directly prior reserving for your dog.
Can I Buy a First Class Seat For My Dog?
Yes you can buy a first class ticket for your dog, however your dog is not allowed to be placed in the seat, though it depends on the breed of your dog,because certain breeds may not be allowed to bring on airplanes.
Some airlines like American airlines will allow your dog to be placed in the ventilated compartment for takeoffs and landings. They are adjacent to the owner’s seat, so animals may sit in your lap or at your feet during the flight.
Top Pet Friendly Airlines
| Airlines | Dog policy |
| Alaska Airlines | Taking dogs on Alaska airlines is subject to availability, $100 each way for a pet traveling in the cabin and you can bring two pets only when you purchase a seat for your other pet. |
| American Airlines | American airlines will transport your dog depending on your dog breed and size, your dog can travel as a carry-on or be transported in cargo. your dog will be transported only if he or she meets the size, age and destination requirements. |
| Delta Air Lines | Delta airlines stated that Small dogs are allowed in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected at check-in. They must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. |
| Frontier Airlines | You can take your dog on Frontier airlines with a one-way, directional charge of $99. If you do not pay in advance, you’ll need to pay when you check-in your pet. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Your pet must be transported in an approved pet carrier that will fit comfortably under the seat in front of you |
| JetBlue | Jetblue stated that small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in the cabin in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. Only one pet per traveler is allowed. |
| Southwest Airlines | Southwest airlines allow small dogs and cats in cabins in comfortably approved pet carriers, and will be placed under the seat in front of you. |
| Spirit Airlines | You are allowed to bring your dog on Spirit Airlines in an approved pet carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you (Maximum carrier size is 18″x14″x9″ (45.72cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86cm)) in over all dimensions (L x W x H) . The total weight of the pet and the carrier shall not exceed 40 pounds (18.14KG). |
| United Airlines | You can travel with your pet in the cabin on United with an approved hard-sided or soft-sided pet carrier, and your carrier must be placed and fit under the seat in front of you. |
Take Dog In Checked Baggage
When traveling with large dogs, the best option is to send the dog in checked baggage, there is no difference in the check in compartment, your dog will have the same fight with you and the airline will take care of him until you reach your destination.
Some airlines may not have the option to send your dog in the cargo or as checked baggage, but most of them are able to transport your dog, just make sure to contact your airline before you book with them, they have more information or updates they don’t display on their own websites.
Summary: Which Airline Will Let You Buy a Seat For Your Dog?
Traveling with a dog in a cabin, essentially as carry-on luggage, usually will be subject to a lower fee than if it travels as checked baggage or shipped as cargo.
however some airlines only allow service dogs owner to buy a seat on their flights.
Generally, a small dog can fit under the seat in front of you with an applicable fee and can go in the cabin without any issue. but you should check with the airline first.
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